ZW people talk about incorporating cashews for creaminess in, e.g., a curry. how do I do that? just blend them up? Also, aren’t they really high in fat?

ChatGPT Certainly! When it comes to incorporating cashews into a curry or other dish for added creaminess, here’s a step-by-step process along with some background information.

1. Soaking Cashews: Cashews can be hard and blending them directly may not result in the desired smooth texture. It’s common to soak them in water first. This can be done quickly by soaking in hot water for about 15 minutes, or you can soak them in room temperature water for a few hours or even overnight. Soaking softens them and makes them easier to blend.
2. Draining and Rinsing: After soaking, you’ll want to drain and rinse the cashews to remove any residue or dirt.
3. Blending: Blend the soaked cashews with some water, stock, or other liquid depending on the recipe. You’ll need a high-powered blender to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. The ratio of liquid to cashews will depend on how thick you want the paste to be, but a common ratio might be 1:1.
4. Straining (Optional): If you want an ultra-smooth texture, you can strain the blended cashews through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. This step isn’t necessary for most curries.
5. Incorporating into the Dish: Once blended, you can stir the cashew cream into your curry or other dish. It will add a rich, creamy texture and a slight nutty flavor.

Now, regarding the fat content, it is true that cashews are relatively high in fat. They contain approximately 12 grams of fat per ounce, with a mix of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fats. However, these fats are primarily considered healthy fats, particularly the monounsaturated ones, which can have benefits for heart health.

In cooking, the fat content of cashews contributes to their creamy texture and rich flavor. If fat content is a concern, you can control the amount of cashew cream you use or combine it with other non-fat or low-fat creamy ingredients.

Keep in mind that different culinary traditions might have varying methods for incorporating cashews, but this approach is a widely accepted way of using them to add creaminess to a dish like a curry.

ZW what about protein? are they actually high in protein or is that kind of a fake thing

ChatGPT Cashews are indeed a source of protein, but the perception that they are “high” in protein might be subjective depending on what you are comparing them to. Here’s some detailed information to provide context:

1. Protein Content: Cashews contain about 5 grams of protein per ounce (28 grams). This is a moderate amount of protein, especially when compared to meat or other animal products, but it is substantial for a nut.
2. Quality of Protein: The protein in cashews includes all the essential amino acids but not in sufficient quantities to be considered a complete protein source on its own. It lacks substantial amounts of the essential amino acid lysine. This means that while cashews do contribute to protein intake, they are best paired with other protein sources, especially if you’re relying on plant-based proteins.
3. Comparison with Other Nuts: In comparison to other nuts, cashews fall roughly in the middle in terms of protein content. Almonds and peanuts are slightly higher, while macadamia nuts are lower.
4. Role in a Balanced Diet: For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, cashews can be a valuable part of a balanced protein intake, especially when combined with other plant-based proteins like legumes. They can’t replace meat in terms of protein content, but they can complement a diet that includes various protein sources.

So, it’s not accurate to say that the protein content in cashews is a “fake thing,” but it might be overstated depending on the context. Cashews do contain protein, but they are not a complete or particularly high source of protein compared to some other foods. The consideration of them being high or low in protein can be relative to what you’re comparing them to and what your specific dietary needs and goals are.

ZW how much protein per oz do chicken and tofu contain?

ChatGPT Comparing the protein content of cashews with chicken and tofu provides a good perspective on how they stand relative to other protein sources. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Chicken: The protein content in chicken varies slightly depending on the cut, but generally, a skinless, cooked chicken breast contains around 27 to 31 grams of protein per 3.5 ounces (100 grams). Converting to per ounce, that’s roughly 7.6 to 8.8 grams of protein per ounce.
2. Tofu: Tofu’s protein content can vary depending on its firmness. A firmer tofu will generally have more protein. Here’s a general guideline:

• Firm Tofu: Approximately 10 grams of protein per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), or about 2.8 grams per ounce.
• Extra Firm Tofu: Approximately 12 to 15 grams of protein per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), or about 3.4 to 4.3 grams per ounce.

These numbers clearly show that chicken is a much richer source of protein compared to both cashews and tofu. Tofu’s protein content is also higher than cashews, but it can vary depending on the specific type of tofu.

In summary, while cashews do contain protein, they have a lower protein content per ounce compared to both chicken and tofu. Chicken stands out as a particularly rich source of protein among these options.

ZW how many g of protein per oz do cooked chickpeas have?

ChatGPT Cooked chickpeas are another source of plant-based protein. Generally, cooked chickpeas contain around 1.7 to 2.1 grams of protein per ounce (28 grams).

The specific amount might vary slightly depending on the preparation method and whether or not they are canned, but this range provides a good general estimate.

In comparison to cashews, chicken, and tofu, chickpeas fall on the lower end of protein content per ounce. They do, however, provide a valuable source of protein for vegetarian and vegan diets, and they are often combined with other plant-based protein sources to create more complete protein profiles.

ZW wow vegetarians cannot get protein!!!

ChatGPT It might seem like a challenge for vegetarians to obtain enough protein when comparing plant-based sources to meat, but it’s important to understand that a well-planned vegetarian diet can provide sufficient protein. Let’s explore how this can be done:

1. Variety of Sources: Vegetarians have access to various protein sources, including legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), grains (quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread), nuts and seeds (almonds, chia seeds), dairy products (if lacto-vegetarian), and eggs (if ovo-vegetarian).
2. Combining Proteins: By combining different plant-based proteins, vegetarians can ensure that they are getting all of the essential amino acids. For example, combining beans with rice or spreading almond butter on whole wheat bread can provide a more complete protein profile.
3. Quantity: While individual plant-based sources might have lower protein content per ounce compared to meat, consuming larger quantities and variety can compensate for this.
4. Processed Alternatives: There are also many vegetarian-friendly processed products like tofu, tempeh, and various meat substitutes made from soy, wheat gluten (seitan), or other protein-rich plant ingredients.
5. Nutritional Planning: If there is concern about getting enough protein, consulting with a nutritionist or using a meal planning tool can help ensure that dietary needs are met.

While it’s true that some plant-based proteins are lower in protein content than animal proteins, a balanced vegetarian diet that includes a wide variety of these sources can still meet the protein needs of most individuals. It might require a bit more planning and awareness of protein-rich plant foods, but it is certainly feasible. The idea that vegetarians cannot get enough protein is a common misconception, but with proper planning and understanding of plant-based protein sources, it’s an achievable goal.